Many women embrace breast augmentation to help get their breasts to their desired sizes and shapes. Like most surgeries, breast augmentation requires pre-surgery and post-surgery care. So, before you get breast augmentation, you may want to know about the recovery times.
This article will look at the recovery times from breast augmentation and what you can do to help your recovery.
Read on to learn more about breast augmentation recovery times.
What Are Expected Breast Augmentation Recovery Times?
If you want breast augmentation to boost your confidence, recovery time is one thing you must research. The average breast augmentation recovery time is six weeks. This recovery time, however, depends on the age, health, and technique performed on the patient.
The time it takes to recover also depends on how you care for your incisions.
Recovery Timeline for Breast Augmentation
The surgery takes at least one hour, and the plastic surgeon will have you in a recovery room for observation for at least an hour before discharging you. Having someone to drive you home after the procedure is important as you will feel sore and may experience some dizziness and fatigue. Your doctor will give you pain medication to manage the pain.
The first week after a breast augmentation is the hardest; you will have bruising and swelling around the breast. However, the swelling and bruising should not worry you as they will reduce as the incisions heal. You may also have pain, which you can manage with pain medication.
You should have enough strength to return to your routine by the second to the third week. However, you should not perform strenuous tasks or exercises. If your job involves a lot of lifting, you should consider taking more time off work to heal.
After four to six weeks, you can add more strenuous activities (as long as it has been cleared with your doctor). It helps if you start with light exercises and progress as your body allows. The breast augmentation recovery times may take longer if you do not allow enough time before you take up strenuous activities.
Tips for Quick Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery
There are several tips you can use to help your recovery go faster. Some of the recommendations include:
Avoid Underwire Bras
After breast augmentation surgery, it is crucial to avoid underwire bras. The wire can aggravate incisions, causing them to separate or simply prolonging the healing process.
For the first six weeks after breast augmentation, it is important to wear a supportive compression or sports bra to help heal the breast and avoid incision damage.
Avoid Baths and Swimming Pools
After the surgery, keep the breast out of the water to avoid infections. The bacteria in the water may cause infections. During the recovery period, take showers until the incisions fully heal.
Get Proper Sleep
It would help if you slept on your back to help you recover after breast augmentation surgery. Sleeping on your stomach may exert pressure on your breasts, increasing swelling and bruising. Sleeping on your side may cause the implants to shift out of position.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Before the procedure, your doctor will advise you to refrain from alcohol and smoking. The same goes for after. After the procedure, you must avoid smoking as it prevents oxygen circulation in the bloodstream making the healing process longer than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Recovery Times
It takes at least six weeks to recover from breast augmentation surgery.
It will take at least two or three months before you can see the results of the breast augmentation due to the swelling and bruising in the first month.
Who Can Get Breast Augmentation Surgery?
People who typically choose breast augmentation are those:
- Who wants to enhance their physical appearance
- Increase breast size
- Who need to adjust their uneven breasts
- Who needs reconstruction after a mastectomy
What Can I Do to Make My Recovery Smooth and Fast?
To make your recovery smoother and faster, you can take some steps. Some of the tips for making a speedy recovery include:
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods
- Wear support garments and recovery bras
- Avoid smoking and drinking
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes
- Avoid baths and swimming pools
- Sleep on your back
- Take your medication as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments
What Are the Possible Complications in Breast Augmentation?
Like any other surgery, there may be possible complications following a breast augmentation procedure. These include:
- Infection
- Prolonged swelling
- A buildup of fluid in the breasts
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Breast pain and numbness
- Scarring which may change the breast’s shape
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Incorrect positioning of the implants
